Furlong to Feet Converter

Convert furlongs to feet with this specialised converter designed for horse racing enthusiasts, historians, and anyone working with traditional British measurements. One furlong equals exactly 660 feet, a distance still widely referenced in UK horse racing today.

Furlongs (fur)

Feet (ft)

Decimal Precision

Conversion Mode

Conversion Result:

0 feet

Common Furlong to Feet Conversions

These conversions are particularly relevant for horse racing distances commonly seen at British racecourses such as Ascot, Newmarket, and Epsom.

Furlongs (fur)	Feet (ft)	Racing Context
1 fur	660 ft	Base measurement
5 fur	3,300 ft	Sprint race distance
6 fur	3,960 ft	Common sprint distance
7 fur	4,620 ft	Middle-distance sprint
8 fur	5,280 ft	One mile (classic distance)
10 fur	6,600 ft	1 mile 2 furlongs
12 fur	7,920 ft	1 mile 4 furlongs
16 fur	10,560 ft	Two miles

Conversion Formula

Feet = Furlongs × 660

Furlongs = Feet ÷ 660

Step-by-Step Conversion Process

To convert furlongs to feet:

Take the number of furlongs you wish to convert
Multiply that value by 660
The result is your distance in feet
Example: 3 furlongs × 660 = 1,980 feet

To convert feet to furlongs:

Take the number of feet you wish to convert
Divide that value by 660
The result is your distance in furlongs
Example: 3,300 feet ÷ 660 = 5 furlongs

Extended Conversion Reference

Furlongs	Feet	Furlongs	Feet
0.5	330	15	9,900
1	660	20	13,200
2	1,320	25	16,500
3	1,980	30	19,800
4	2,640	40	26,400
5	3,300	50	33,000
6	3,960	75	49,500
7	4,620	100	66,000
8	5,280	200	132,000
10	6,600	500	330,000

Historical Background of the Furlong

The furlong represents one of Britain’s most enduring traditional measurements, with origins deeply rooted in agricultural history. The term derives from Old English “furlang,” combining “furh” (furrow) and “lang” (long), literally meaning “furrow length.”

During the Anglo-Saxon period, a furlong represented the distance a team of oxen could plough without needing rest—approximately 220 yards or 660 feet. Under the open-field farming system, land was divided into long strips called “lands,” typically one furlong in length. This practical measurement became standardised as 40 rods or 10 chains.

Did you know? The furlong was officially abolished as a standard UK measurement under the Weights and Measures Act 1985, yet it remains the primary distance unit in British horse racing, maintaining a tradition spanning over 400 years.

Furlong Measurements in Horse Racing

British horse racing has preserved the furlong as its standard measurement since the sport’s formal establishment in the 16th century. Racecourses throughout the UK continue to advertise race distances in furlongs, creating a unique linguistic tradition within the sport.

Sprint Races

5-7 furlongs
(3,300-4,620 feet)
Fast-paced races requiring explosive speed over shorter distances. Five-furlong races are particularly popular for two-year-olds.

Middle Distance

7-10 furlongs
(4,620-6,600 feet)
The classic one-mile distance (8 furlongs) falls into this category, requiring both speed and stamina.

Staying Races

12+ furlongs
(7,920+ feet)
Longer races testing endurance. The longest flat race at Royal Ascot, the Queen Alexandra Stakes, spans 21 furlongs.

Notable British Racecourse Distances

Epsom Derby: 12 furlongs (7,920 feet) – One of Britain’s most prestigious races
Royal Ascot Gold Cup: 20 furlongs (13,200 feet) – Testing stamina race
The Guineas (Newmarket): 8 furlongs (5,280 feet) – Classic mile distance
Sprint races: 5-6 furlongs (3,300-3,960 feet) – Speed-focused competitions

Understanding Furlong Relationships

Unit	Equivalence to Furlong	Feet Conversion
1 furlong	Base unit	660 feet
1 mile	8 furlongs	5,280 feet
1 chain	0.1 furlongs	66 feet
1 rod	0.025 furlongs	16.5 feet
220 yards	1 furlong	660 feet
201.168 metres	1 furlong	660 feet

Frequently Asked Questions

How many feet are in one furlong?

One furlong equals exactly 660 feet. This conversion factor remains constant and is derived from the furlong’s definition as one-eighth of a mile (5,280 feet ÷ 8 = 660 feet).

Why do British racecourses still measure in furlongs?

Horse racing adopted the furlong as its standard measurement during the sport’s formative years in 16th-century England. The tradition persists due to the sport’s deep historical roots and the practical nature of the unit for describing race lengths. Changing to metric or other measurements would break centuries of tradition and require extensive updates to historical records and industry language.

What is the origin of the word “furlong”?

The word “furlong” comes from Old English “furlang,” combining “furh” (furrow) and “lang” (long). It originally described the length of a furrow in a ploughed field—the distance a team of oxen could plough before requiring rest, standardised at 660 feet.

How many furlongs make one mile?

Eight furlongs equal one mile. Since one furlong is 660 feet, eight furlongs multiply to 5,280 feet, which is the standard definition of a mile in imperial measurements.

Is the furlong still used outside of horse racing?

The furlong is rarely used outside horse racing in modern Britain. It was officially abolished as a standard measurement in the UK under the Weights and Measures Act 1985. However, it occasionally appears in agricultural contexts, historical property descriptions, and surveying in some regions, though these uses are increasingly uncommon.

What is the shortest horse race distance in furlongs?

The shortest standard flat race distance in British horse racing is five furlongs (3,300 feet). These sprint races are particularly common for two-year-old horses and require explosive speed rather than sustained stamina.

How do I convert feet back to furlongs?

To convert feet to furlongs, divide the number of feet by 660. For example, if you have 3,300 feet, divide by 660 to get 5 furlongs. The formula is: Furlongs = Feet ÷ 660.

What is a furlong in metric measurements?

One furlong equals approximately 201.168 metres or 0.201168 kilometres. In centimetres, this is 20,116.8 cm. The metric conversion is less commonly used in British horse racing, which maintains traditional imperial measurements.